What drivers in Switzerland need to know about Italy's new diesel car ban

Holidaymakers from Switzerland, be warned: several Italian provinces will be banning a range of diesel-powered cars this year. Various models from top brands will be affected, and drivers who break the new rules will be heavily fined.

Italian provinces to impose new ban on diesel cars

In a bid to improve air quality and reduce pollution, from this autumn, four Italian provinces will be banning certain diesel cars. Crucially, this ban will apply to both Italian vehicles and those registered elsewhere.

This is expected to have a major impact on Switzerland, as not only is Italy one of the country’s neighbours, but it is also one of the favourite holiday destinations for residents. With this in mind, here’s what you need to know about the ban:

Which diesel cars will be banned?

The Italian diesel ban will affect all vehicles which are in the Euro 1 to 5 categories for emissions standards. Typically, these are vehicles registered between 1992 and 2014, and include all major brands, from VW and Renault to BMW and Toyota. Be sure to check whether your car fits these standards before you head across the border.

Where and when will the ban on diesel cars apply?

The ban itself will be in place in four Italian provinces, with each having slightly different start dates and rules.

Most importantly for Switzerland, Lombardy will apply the diesel driving ban from October 1, 2025. Unlike other provinces, this ban will be permanent and run year-round. The restrictions will apply between 8.30am and 6.30pm from Monday to Friday in all municipalities with over 30.000 inhabitants. This includes Milan, Varese and Lecco, among others.

In Piedmont, the restrictions will only apply from October 1, 2025 until April 15, 2026. In subsequent years, the restrictions will run from September 15 to April 15. The ban will run from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.30pm and apply to towns with over 30.000 residents. These include Turin, Novara and many others.

In the province of Emilia-Romagna, Euro 1 to 5 diesel cars will be permanently banned from cities with over 30.000 residents on October 1. Finally, the province of Veneto (Venice) will not permit these cars to run in its major cities from the beginning of October.

What happens if I break the new rules?

Any driver caught breaking the new rules will be issued a fine by the police, equivalent to 150 Swiss francs. Repeated violations of the rules can even see the emergency services suspend your driving licence for up to 30 days.